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Self-collected specimens can expand access to SARS-CoV-2 testing. At a large inner-city hospital 1,082 participants self-collected saliva and anterior nasal swab (ANS) samples before healthcare workers collected nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) samples on the same day. To characterize patient preferences for self-collection, this investigation explored ability, comfort, and ease of ANS and saliva self-collection for SARS-CoV-2 testing along with associated patient characteristics, including medical history and symptoms of COVID-19. With nearly all participants successfully submitting a specimen, favorable ratings from most participants (at least >79% in ease and comfort), and equivocal preference between saliva and ANS, self-collection is a viable SARS-CoV-2 testing option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among 283 symptomatic healthcare personnel (HCP) tested for SARS-CoV-2, 51 (18%) were positive. Among those 51 HCP, self reported loss of smell and taste were present in 51% and 52.9%, respectively, with either present in 60.8%. These symptoms had high specificity (93% each, 96% for either) for a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Foreign-born, HIV-infected persons are at risk for sub-clinical parasitic infections acquired in their countries of origin. The long-term consequences of co-infections can be severe, yet few data exist on parasitic infection prevalence in this population. Methodology/Principal Findings: This cross-sectional study evaluated 128 foreign-born persons at one HIV clinic. We performed stool studies and serologic testing for strongyloidiasis, schistosomiasis, filarial infection, and Chagas disease based on the patient's country of birth. Eosinophilia and symptoms were examined as predictors of helminthic infection. Of the 128 participants, 86 (67%) were male, and the median age was 40 years; 70 were Mexican/Latin American, 40 African, and 18 from other countries or regions. Strongyloides stercoralis antibodies were detected in 33/128 (26%) individuals. Of the 52 persons from schistosomiasis-endemic countries, 15 (29%) had antibodies to schistosome antigens; 7 (47%) had antibodies to S. haematobium, 5 (33%) to S. mansoni, and 3 (20%) to both species. Stool ova and parasite studies detected helminths in 5/85 (6%) persons. None of the patients tested had evidence of Chagas disease (n = 77) or filarial infection (n = 52). Eosinophilia >400 cells/mm3 was associated with a positive schistosome antibody test (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.1–19.0). The only symptom significantly associated with strongyloidiasis was weight loss (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.4–7.2). Conclusions/Significance: Given the high prevalence of certain helminths and the potential lack of suggestive symptoms and signs, selected screening for strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis or use of empiric antiparasitic therapy may be appropriate among foreign-born, HIV-infected patients. Identifying and treating helminth infections could prevent long-term complications. Author Summary: Undiagnosed and untreated parasitic infections can have severe consequences for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons. An estimated 2 billion people worldwide are infected with soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis, yet there are few data on the prevalence in HIV-infected immigrants to more developed countries. This information could help clinicians determine what testing is needed and what signs or symptoms to expect. We performed serologic, stool, and urine testing for selected parasites in 128 foreign-born persons receiving care at an HIV clinic in Atlanta, Georgia. We found that 26% had serologic evidence of infection with Strongyloides stercoralis and 29% had serologic evidence of schistosomiasis. Because these were likely chronic processes, symptoms and signs were often absent; only weight loss was significantly associated with strongyloidiasis. High eosinophil counts were also associated with parasitic infection. This study suggests the need for targeted screening of foreign-born, HIV-infected persons for parasitic infections (mainly strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis) or the use of empiric antiparasitic therapy, particularly among those with unexplained eosinophilia. Although there are established guidelines for screening of refugees, health care providers should consider the risk of these organisms in patients who have entered the United States through other pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]